As a new amputee, you’ve probably received pamphlets on subjects ranging from phantom limb pain to what kind of prostheses are available to support groups. There are a few things, however, that these pamphlets don’t tell you that can set you up for greater success as an amputee. Here are a few:
- Not everyone is going to be a Paralympian.
There are many inspiring stories about athletes who not only became mobile again after amputation, they were also able to return to the sport they love. If you weren’t an athletic person before amputation, chances are you probably aren’t going to become the next gold medalist.
And you know what? That’s okay. There’s a difference between being active and being athletic. We encourage everyone to be active—especially if you’re an amputee, as this can help with a wide range of issues—but not everyone is athletic.
- Confidence is key.
What we’ve seen is that the amputees who are confident in themselves usually adapt to their prosthesis faster and become mobile again quicker. Being confident can help you push away the worries and doubts you have about your ability to use your prosthesis.
Part of building confidence means embracing whatever level you’re at with your device. Yes, you may still have a limp, but if it’s not a big issue to you, that will actually help you get to the next level faster. It seems counterintuitive, but it works!
- Your relationship with your prosthetist is important.
Prosthetists are here to help, and the good ones will listen to you and try new things to help you succeed. If your prosthetist isn’t giving you the time of day that you deserve, they can end up becoming more of a hindrance than a help!
We pride ourselves on being the kinds of prosthetists who will listen and help you work through your problems. If you’re a new amputee or you need to find a new prosthetist, set up an appointment with us today! We would love to see you and show you more ways to succeed.
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